Apple Stock News: AI Features Will Boost iPhone Shipments
Apple Stock News: Apple aims to ship at least 90 million iPhone 16 models in 2024, targeting a 10% increase from the 81 million iPhone 15 units shipped in 2023. The new iPhone 16 models will feature next-generation A18 chips supporting Apple Intelligence. Currently, only the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max can utilize Apple’s AI features, prompting users with older models to upgrade.
Apple anticipates strong demand for the iPhone 16 due to Apple Intelligence, particularly in China, where it trails local manufacturers in AI development. However, Apple’s AI features won’t initially be available in China, as deals with local AI firms are still pending. At launch, Apple Intelligence will be available only in U.S. English and not in the European Union, potentially impacting EU sales due to compliance with the Digital Markets Act. New features include Writing Tools, Image Playground, and Genmoji, with an overhaul of Siri expected in 2025.
Global PC Growth
Apple saw a 21% increase in Mac shipments in Q2 2024, the highest growth among global PC manufacturers, according to IDC. Overall, global desktop and laptop shipments grew by 3%, with Apple and Acer leading the way; Acer had a 14% increase. IDC’s Ryan Reith noted a boost from AI-focused PCs and a commercial refresh cycle. Despite only 3% of PCs being optimized for AI, Apple’s Mac lineup is set to benefit from Apple Intelligence integration.
Apple’s shipments increased by 20.8% from Q2 2023, with Acer up by 13.7%. Dell saw a 2.4% decline. Excluding weak demand in China, global shipments grew over 5%. Lenovo held the highest market share at nearly 23%, followed by HP at 21%. Canalys reported slightly higher global PC market growth of 3.4%, with Apple shipping 5.5 million units for a 9% market share. Lenovo, HP, and Dell led with 14.7 million, 13.7 million, and 10.1 million units shipped, respectively.
Trial Production of Apple’s Next-Gen Chip Technology
TSMC, Apple’s chipmaker, will begin test production of 2nm chips next week, aiming for integration into Apple silicon by next year. The trial run will occur at TSMC’s Baoshan plant in Taiwan. Apple plans to transition to the 2nm process in 2025. Currently, the iPhone 15 Pro uses the A17 Pro chip with TSMC’s 3nm process, enhancing performance and efficiency. The move to 2nm chips is expected to improve performance by 10-15% and reduce power consumption by up to 30%. TSMC will start mass production of 2nm chips next year, focusing on achieving a stable yield. Apple has already booked all of TSMC’s 3nm production capacity, leading TSMC to triple its capacity by year-end. The first 2nm chips are expected in the iPhone 17 lineup in 2025.
